“Clean energy creates jobs, spurs innovation, reduces global warming and makes us more energy independent,” Mark Udall said in a statement announcing the measure, which is similar to legislation he offered in the last session of Congress. “This common-sense proposal would extend Colorado’s successful effort to expand the use of renewable energy alongside natural gas and coal to the entire nation.”

That effort shouldn’t come at the expense of the West Slope economy, said David Ludlam, executive director of the West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association.

“Market forces have allowed western Colorado’s natural gas to help the United States reach 20-year lows in carbon-dioxide emissions,” Ludlam said in an email. “Perhaps most important are the contributions affordable local natural gas has made in making energy more affordable for the poorest citizens among us.”

The bill would increase the renewable-energy standard for utilities to 25 percent over a period of years ending in 2025.